“Fine, I will,” he said, but he didn’tmove.
I didn’t want him to go, because I knew he’d talk his way out of this. And then Sebastian and Isabella would probably laugh about it at their wedding while I sat in a corner wondering why I’d ever let him go after her. It was possible I was jealous. Which meant it was possible a crush was developing. Noticing the way Sebastian filled out a suit, wanting his approval, hoping he saw me as a bitch simply because, according to self-proclaimed expert Luciano, men loved them . . . those were classic signs. A crush could not happen. Not only wasModern Man, and by extension, Sebastian, my client, but he and I had to co-manage a team without taking each other out in theprocess.
“Fine,” I agreed. “Goahead.”
Our team descended on the table just as Sebastian took off for the exit. “What the hell just happened?” Albert bellowed. “Did Georgina scare off yourdate?”
Sebastian called back, “Not if I can helpit.”
“He’s going after her?” Justin askedme.
It appeared he was. If I’d asked him not to, it would’ve looked like forfeiting. This way, at least, I’d lose with a shred ofdignity.
As time ticked down, the guys took bets as to whether Sebastian would get her back in—the general consensus being that would make him the winner. My stomach was in knots, but not about losing. I hated the idea of him taking her home. Maybe they were already in a cab. I tried not to stare down thedoor.
After a few minutes, Sebastian strolled back in. By the swagger in his step, I assumed she was hot on his heels, but he was alone. “No luck,” he said, shrugging. “She wouldn’t give me the time ofday.”
“Then I guess we have a winner,” Garth said, handing Sebastian abeer.
“Bullshit.” We all turned to Justin, who had his head cocked as he studied Sebastian. “You’reforfeiting.”
“Do you see her by my side?” Sebastianasked.
“No, but you’re a shit liar with one dead giveaway that never fails. And don’t ask me what it is. I’m not stupid enough to tell you. Give me your phone.” Justin held out his palm to Sebastian while glancing at me. “Sorry, George, but like you said, a bet’s abet.”
“What do you mean?” Iasked.
Sebastian passed over his cell. “She’s not in there,dude.”
“What was her name?” Justinasked.
Justin thought Sebastian had gotten Isabella’s number and might still have this. I bit my bottom lip, then released it as soon as Sebastian glanced at my mouth. “Her name was Isabella,” Isaid.
Justin went through Sebastian’s contacts. “Hmm. Don’t seeher.”
“Then that settles it,” Sebastian said. “Georgina wins thisround.”
I sent up a quick prayer that this was thefinalround. I wasn’t sure I could handle another go atthis.
“Wait a sec,” Justin said and scrolled the oppositedirection.
“Justin,” Sebastian warned, finally looking away from me. “Leave italone.”
“A-ha.” Justin held up the screen. “Cantina Santino Isabella,” he read off the screen. “It was under ‘C’.”
Sebastian rubbed his brow, his eyes on me. “Ah, yeah. But that was from earlier, not right now—she gave me her numberbeforeGeorgina blew up mygame.”
“Wow,” I said. “You workfast.”
“You’re not so slow yourself.” He tipped his head back for a sip of beer, glancing at me. “I always get the number right away. As you can see, Justin has burned me in thepast.”
Justin side-eyed Sebastian before checking the notebook. “Sebastian failed. Judge rules—Georginawins.”
Garth put his hands on my shoulders from behind and squeezed. “Nice work, boss,” he said. “You bested apro.”
“Next drink’s on me, Keller,” Albertadded.
I’d bested the best. Who would’ve thought? Happy hour was a success. I’d not only survived it but had come out on top. I’d been correct in assuming I’d make more headway with the guys tonight than I had all week at theoffice.
